Maximum length of 6 metres.

Body is completely black with no white or grey markings.

Dorsal fin is small and curved like that of a female killer whale.

Pectoral fins bulge around the front edge.

Forehead is rounded with a prominent melon.

Extremely social, usually in large groups of 20-100 animals.

May breach, porpoise, or bow ride alongside vessels.

Rarely observed off of B.C.

Globally, they are not typically found above 50 degrees latitude, although they are occasionally spotted in more northerly areas.

Generally found in deep, offshore waters.

A single, sociable animal, known as "Willy" was widely reported in urban areas in British Columbia between 1990-2003.

Can be confused with killer whales, but false killer whales lack a grey saddlepatch at the base of the dorsal fin and white eye and flank patches.